Bearspaw fire destroys home west of Calgary

Flames difficult to fight because of high winds and size of house, says fire chief

Fire crews responded Tuesday afternoon to a fire at a home in Bearspaw, which is located just west of Calgary. (Ryan McLeod/Cochrane Eagle)

Firefighters battled a massive fire in Bearspaw today that destroyed a home just west of Calgary.

"[There was] huge black plumes of billowing clouds and it was an inferno," said neighbour Julie Quillian.

"The little girl was crying. And the mom was crying. What do you do. What else can you do?"

Fire officials say the blaze was contained to just the one house, which was located at 35 Woodlands Estates Crescent.

Crews had to deal with high winds and officials believe the home will be a total loss.

"Obviously with the really high winds that we're dealing with tonight, it was really difficult for fire crews to get a handle on the flames," said Rocky View County Fire Services District Chief Dax Huba. "And it was quite a large house."

No injuries were reported.

Firefighters came from Rocky View County and Cochrane to help control the flames.